Bus Éireann Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2013

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Questions (15, 313)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

15. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm that last summer the National Transport Authority carried out a public consultation and that, during the autumn, it submitted its report to him; the recommendations of same; if he has decided to follow through on any of these recommendations; if he will give an indication as to what is likely to happen with public service obligation routes in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15029/13]

John O'Mahony

Question:

313. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm that last summer the National Transport Authority carried out a public consultation and that during the autumn they submitted their report to him; the recommendations of same; if he has decided to follow through on any of these recommendations; if he will give an indication as to what is likely to happen with Public Service Obligation routes in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15777/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to answer Question Nos. 15 and 313 together.

These questions relate to the structure of the public service obligation (PSO) bus market.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 4 which I answered earlier.  I am aware that the Competition Authority made a submission to the NTA's public consultation process. This report clearly highlighted that the international experience of tendering for PSO type services has been favourable. Furthermore, the report indicated that tendering for PSO services showed benefits accruing to the State and to the commuting public in terms of (i) improved service quality, (ii) a more integrated transport system and (iii) greater value for taxpayer’s money.

Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 14.